ARTICLE: The Gospel Truth - Honoring Gospel’s Roots
October 16th, 2006 | 
Articles | Source: CMWired.com (255)
Six months ago, Mary Tom Speer-Reid was having serious doubts about whether she would make it to the Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame induction ceremony. Awaiting cataract surgery and a knee replacement, the 81-year-old would have to endure a four-hour ride to Dollywood in Pigeon Forge—not Nashville, where the current industry has shifted toward a more contemporary orientation in gospel music. There was also the ticket price to think about. “It’s very expensive—60 dollars for a ticket,” said Reid, the 13th female inductee, in April. “You get one free ticket for yourself and then one other one, and I said, ‘I can’t buy 60 dollars’ worth for 10 people.’ ”
But in the end, the chance to be honored for a musical career begun more than 70 years ago outweighed her health concerns. On Oct. 12, Reid became the final member of the Speer Family gospel group to enter the hall of fame. […read more]
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